George Groves has left Hayemaker Promotions and signed a three-year deal with Frank Warren but will keep Adam Booth as his trainer and manager.

It means the British and Commonwealth super middleweight titleholder is now part of the same stable as his bitter west London rival, James DeGale.

Groves beat DeGale at the London 02 earlier this year by a majority decision to extend his unbeaten record to 13 wins, including 10 knockouts. He credits much of his rise in the ring to the influence and tactical acumen of Booth, who co-founded Hayemaker Promotions with former WBA heavyweight titleholder David Haye.

But clearly both Groves and Booth reckon that when it comes to big-time matchmaking, British promoter Warren has few equals.

“Having sat down with Adam Booth and discussed at length what was the best move for my career to progress towards a world title, we agreed that everything Frank put to us made perfect sense,” explained 23-year-old Groves, from Hammersmith, London.

“He is the most experienced promoter in Britain by far, and we feel he has the ability to take me to the very top.”

Booth shares that view despite the fact Hayemaker appears to have lost one of Britain’s brightest boxing prospects.

“On the surface, this may seem a strange decision from me and Hayemaker,” said Booth. “But this is all about what is best for the career of George. We believe working with Frank is the best decision we could have made.”

A delighted Warren, who fought off competition from Matchroom for Groves’ signature, stated that a rematch between his new charge and DeGale, who faces Poland’s Piotr Wilczewski for the European title next month, is a certainty farther down the road.

“I’m very happy that George has chosen to come under my promotional banner, and we will now be involved in some big fights,” said Warren, who also looks after WBO light heavyweight holder Nathan Cleverly and WBO junior lightweight champion Ricky Burns.

“Of course, everyone is asking about a return with DeGale, who I represent, and it is an obvious fight that will definitely happen again. One thing’s for sure – the public will want to see it again. It’s a big domestic rivalry that will become ever bigger.”